Premium
Raynaud's phenomenon and digital necrosis induced by interferon‐alpha
Author(s) -
BACHMEYER C.,
FARGE D.,
GLUCKMAN E.,
MICLEA J.M.,
ARACTINGI S.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1996.d01-1028.x
Subject(s) - medicine , necrosis , dermis , vasculitis , alpha interferon , pathology , interferon , immunology , disease
Summary We report two patients treated with interferon‐alpha who developed Raynaud's phenomenon followed by multiple digital necrosis. Arteriography of the legs revealed diffuse distal narrowing. Histological examination of the resected tissue showed ischaemic necrosis within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue without vasculitis. Resolution of the symptoms was observed when interferonalpha was withdrawn. Since other causes of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital necrosis were ruled out, a drug cause is likely. Raynaud's phenomenon should be looked for in patients treated with interferon‐alpha. If present, immediate withdrawal of the drug is required.